Audio output from CDR-220 CD player to iPod?

[rivertiger]

Boxster aficionados,
I have been shopping for a in-dash cd/mp3 player to replace my beloved, factory Becker CR-220 in-dash cd player. But I was told from some specialty car audio guys that it could also be possible to get an attachment audio output that ran from the back of my cd player to the front of the console with audio inputs for a portable iPod connection.

Has anyone heard of such a modification or seen one? What would it take and what parts would I need to make this happen? This sure would be useful as it would help save me $$$ going this route than forking over $400 bones on a decent deck and installation + wiring. Thanks guys! - rivertiger

[ettsn]

The easy solution would be to use an FM transmitter on your iPod, like the iTrip. Check this out:

http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/itrip/

I've used one (friend had one on his iPod during a trip), and it works very well. Sound quality is as good or better than a very strong FM radio station. I intend to use one of these when I get a iPod. Best part? It's only like $30-35 and you can use it in all of your cars and even at home.

-Paul

[MuffinMan]

If you stick with the CDR220, you can buy a kit that gives you an auxillary input via RCA jacks. Call Becker directly. The kit is something like $15 + shipping. You get the keys to pull the head unit out, and some wires that plug into the back of the head unit. At the other end of the wires are female RCA jacks.

The only downside of this kit is that you cannot run an external CD changer at the same time that you use the auxillary input. Nevertheless, it's probably a moot point since you most likely won't be using a CD changer if you have an iPod.

[MuffinMan]

btw, depending on what area you live in, the FM transmitter doesn't always work that well. In my area, I have local radio stations broadcasting on all 4 of the available frequencies on the FM transmitter, and they battle the iPod for clarity. I've also noticed varying levels of success in different cars with different head units. In some cars, it picks up the FM transmitter extremely well. In others, it barely picks it up at all, regardless of where I put the ipod/transmitter. YMMV

[ettsn]

The iTrip allows you to pick any frequency on the FM dial, not just a coice of four like some of the cheaper units. That, and it's superior form factor make it IMO the best iPod option I've found.

-Paul

[MuffinMan]

I only tried the older Belkin unit with 4 options. The "any station" sounds like the ticket if you're forced down the FM transmitting road.